Healthy computing incorporates optimum Work Style, Ergonomics, Mind/Body Awareness, Stress Management, Regeneration, Vision Care, Fitness and Positive Work Setting in a systems perspective while working at the computer. The integration of the eight components improves health,
decreases discomfort and increases performance. The eight components are illustrated by the common activity of walking.

1. Work Style - Develop work habits that will help you to maintain health
and avoid injury, such as taking breaks and pacing your workload.

Work Style describes the way you proceed with walking. Do you pace
yourself so that you can finish your walk without exhaustion? Do you stop
to take a breather? Do you relax your leg muscles as you shift from side
to side, getting into the rhythm of walking?

Mind/Body (Somatic) Awareness is listening to your body and following
your inner voice. Do you stop to drink water when you are thirsty? If
your heart is racing, do you slow down? When you feel warmth in your
feet, do you stop to change socks to avoid a blister?

4. Stress Management - Handle life's compulsory stresses effectively
whether at work or home - in a way that does not adversely affect your
health (e.g., reframing events, communicating your needs, etc.). Work
stress can include having too much responsibility with too little control,
poor social support and/or conflicts with coworkers or supervisors, a
heavy workload, and/or being bored with your job.

Stress Management is taking care of situations as they arise and not
forcing yourself to do too much or getting bored from doing too little. Do
you tell your walking companions that an advanced trail is too difficult
for you or that the slow pace is not challenging? Do you let them know
that you would prefer to listen quietly to nature as you walk rather than
talk during the entire trek?

Regeneration is allowing your body to rest and not pushing yourself to
the point of exhaustion. Do you stop when you feel like you're getting
tired, before you become exhausted? Do you give your body time to
recuperate after pushing your limits with a short rest or a walk?

Vision Care includes exercising your eyes and wearing appropriate
eyewear. Do you alternate between looking at distant and close objects? Do
you wear sunglasses when walking in the bright daylight? Do you wear a
visor to protect your eyes from glare? Do you stumble on the rocky path
because you need prescription glasses?

7. Fitness - Working at the computer is a daily athletic event that
requires fitness for optimum performance and injury prevention.

Fitness includes stretching, strengthening, and movement. Do you warm
up slowly as you begin your walk? Do you gently stretch after you are
done? Do you exercise or cross train during the week to prepare for your
next hike?

Erik Peper, Ph.D. is an international authority on biofeedback and self-regulation. He is Professor and Co-Director of the Institute for Holistic Healing Studies, Department of Health Education, at San Francisco......more

Disclaimer: The information provided on HealthWorld Online is for educational purposes only and IS NOT intended as a substitute for
professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek professional medical advice from your physician or other qualified
healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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